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REMARKS BY: DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PLACE: The 2000 Department Of Health and Human Services Honor Awards Washington, D.C. DATE: MAY 9, 2000
This year Hollywood gave us Being John Malkovich. Perhaps next year someone will want to give us Being John Callahan. If so, I think I should be hired as script consultant -- because I know being John Callahan means you're committed to serving the community. It means you're an extraordinary Assistant Secretary of Management and Budget. And, it means you know how to put together a first class awards ceremony.
There are, of course, many other award ceremonies. We have the Oscars, the Tonies, the Grammies and the MTV awards. We even have the People's Choice awards. But the most important choice is the one federal employees make every day: That choice is to faithfully serve the American people.
My point is the same one Michael Caine made when he accepted his Oscar this year: He said that all the nominees shared in his great achievement. By honoring some - we honor all.
That is certainly true at HHS. Every day, every single HHS employee touches someone's life in this country. Last year, I went with President Clinton to North Carolina after devastating floods. I will never forget the faces and images of those ravaged communities. I will also never forget the faces and courage of our disaster medical assistance teams who worked tirelessly to comfort and heal families.
I saw the same courage and skill when I visited the Kosovo refugees arriving at Fort Dix. Women and children - tired and in a strange new place -- were met by teams from our office of Refugee Resettlement and given food and blankets. HHS workers from the Public Health Service provided first aid and immunizations.
There is no corner of our nation too small or too remote to escape the helping hand of our extraordinary HHS team - a team that -- when asked why they work so hard -- simply says: "because we're needed."
America needs all HHS employees. Not only in times of emergency - but during the quiet times too. I'm talking about seniors who need meals delivered at home. I'm talking about children who need access to health insurance. I'm talking about people living with cancer or HIV/AIDS who need life saving treatments. I'm talking about teens who need help to stay drug free. All this and so much more is possible because of you - everyday heroes being heroes every single day. Together, we're making a real difference.
This year, more than ever before, we celebrate the work of HHS teams - individuals coming together across boundaries, across disciplines, and in many cases working with our private sector partners to reach a common goal: A healthier America.
Today we honor the innovation and initiative of HHS employees. We honor their courage and commitment. And we honor the results of their outstanding work. In one case, we actually honor a lack of results.
Thanks to the extraordinary team that worked to keep our department Y2K compliant, when clocks changed from 1999 to 2000 -- nothing happened. We had the same seamless system of first rate service and top quality care.
Today, we will also honor and celebrate colleagues who increased organ and tissue donation, made Healthy People 2010 come to life; discovered new strategies for early detection of HIV infection; and developed better mental health services.
All of today's winners represent the best in government. They display leadership. They inspire others. And they help America grow stronger and healthier each day.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, " Our own success, to be real, must contribute to the success of others." I'm convinced every HHS employee understands that kind of success - because it's in the spirit of all that you do. Over these past seven and one half years - I've witnessed the best in government service - the outstanding men and women of HHS.
Even though this is my last year working with you, I encourage everyone here to continue your excellent work. Keep showing America that teamwork and partnership are the tools for bringing health and hope to every community.
Honor award winners of past years, award winners of this year and all HHS employees: I thank you for your service. I thank you for your commitment and tenacity; for your hard work -- quietly and courageously, day in and day out, putting people first, always.
Congratulations and thank you.